Criminal Justice

Most people with dementia will not come into conflict with the criminal justice system. However, there is an emerging awareness that some of the behavioural symptoms associated with dementia (e.g., aggression, disinhibition) may lead to involvement with the criminal justice system.

​Transgressions may be relatively minor, such as shoplifting from the local pharmacy (e.g., due to forgetting to pay). In other cases, people with dementia who are exhibiting aggressive behaviour may be charged with assault. In rare cases, people with dementia may be charged with a very serious crime such as murder.

Incidents may occur at home, in the community, or in long-term care. Victims may include family members, care providers, fellow long-term care residents, or others.

​The responsive behaviours associated with dementia can often be managed with appropriate supports. But we cannot prevent every incident of disinhibition or aggression.

​Despite best efforts, some people with dementia will become entangled with the criminal law. It is therefore imperative that we have a criminal justice system which is prepared to deal with this vulnerable population.

​Dementia Justice is committed to helping make this happen.

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a specific disease. It is an umbrella term that refers to a range of symptoms that are caused by a variety disorders affecting the brain. Symptoms may affect memory, thinking, problem-solving, language and one's ability to perform everyday activities.

​Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Some other types of dementia include vascular dementia; Lewy body dementia; and frontotemporal dementia. Individuals may have a combination of dementias, referred to as mixed dementia.

​Some other disorders which are linked to dementia include Parkinson's disease; Huntington's disease; traumatic brain injury; and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

​Age is a risk factor for dementia, but it can also occur in younger people.

Common signs and symptoms

The symptoms of dementia vary depending on the cause. However, some common signs and symptoms include:

Cognitive changes such as memory loss; difficulty with thinking, problem-solving or planning; and confusion and disorientation.